Kids’ Weekend Guide: June 29th – July 1st

Astronomy Star Party, Splash Parks galore, Puppet Show, STEM for families and more, all inside Route One Fun’s Kids’ Weekend Guide! 👊

FRIDAY 

Riverdale Park Station Bear Square Fountain!
Kids love to splash around this fountain right across from Whole Foods. Seating surrounds the area so it’s possible you can catch a quick break/sit down while your kiddo plays in the water. Pack or lunch or buy from any one of the many nearby spots.
When: 8ish-8ish
Where: Bear Square, Riverdale Park Station, Riverdale Park
Cost: Free!

Storytime PopUp! @ The Waterhole
Join us for stories, songs, fingerplays and more at this innovation collaboration between PGCMLS & Mt. Rainier’s fabulous organic juice & smoothie joint, The Waterhole. Best for 0-5 years old. Curious? Click here for my review of The Waterhole!
When: 10am
Where: The Waterhole, 4004 34th St., Mt. Rainier

SATURDAY 

Storytime at Riverdale Park Station
Join the Hyattsville Library for an exciting Summer storytime at Bear Square! (Bring a towel so that you/kiddo may later dry off after frolicking in the fountain!)
When: 10:30am
Where: Riverdale Park Station, Bear Square
Cost: Free!

Screech & Kestrel
Meet two of North America’s smallest birds of prey: the American kestrel and eastern screech owl. Both expert hunters, the American kestrel uses its acrobatic prowess, while the eastern screech owl is a stealthy silent hunter. Read about our time at Patuxent Research Refuge here!
When: 12:15-12:45pm
Where: Patuxent Research Refuge, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel
Cost: Free!

STEM for Families: You Rock! (Ages 8-12)
No instruments? No problem! Make your own instruments out of everyday objects and rock out!
When: 2-3pm @ Greenbelt Library, Greenbelt; 3-4pm at Hyattsville Library.
Cost: Free!

The Apple Tree Puppet Show (best for ages 2-8)
Check out Greenbelt’s own Beech Tree Puppets in their performance of “The Apple Tree” – about a woman who lives in the countryside with her lively dog and her cuddly sheep. Warm colors and beautiful singing bring this 30-minute show to life!
When: 3:30pm
Where: Takoma Park Library, 101 Philadelphia Ave, Takoma Park
Cost: Free!

Astronomy Star Party!
See the Universe! Visit our observatory, look through club members’ telescopes, or bring your own. Event will be canceled if it’s too cloudy to see any stars. Sponsored by the Astronomical Society of Greenbelt.
When: 9:30pm
Where: Northway Fields Park, Greenbelt (Observatory is at the end of a dirt road)

SUNDAY

Ellen E. Linson Splash Park
Fountains, small slides, obstacle course, water spray and more! Tip: This place gets FULL during prime time so go early/late or call ahead to see if there’s a line to get inside.
Outdoor family splash park!
When: 12-7pm (call to confirm: 301-277-3717)
Where: 5211 Campus Drive, College Park

Rollingcrest’s Indoor Splash Playground! (All Ages)
Great for kids of all ages! Specialized water play area with slides and spray features, family pool with water slides and spray features, a vending area and shower /changing facilities with lockers (lockers are available but require you to bring your own lock). While parts of the facility are dated, kids always have a blast.
When: Hours vary. Call to confirm: 301-853-2005
Where: Rollingcrest Chillum Splash Pool, 6122 Sargent Road, Chillum

Smaland at College Park’s Ikea (All Ages)
Free, 1 hour, supervised, enclosed, safe & clean play area near the entrance. Enjoy some shopping or just relax/eat/peoplewatch at the restaurant upstairs while your young one(s) has a blast at Smaland. Children must be potty trained and be 37” to 54” tall (so children typically b/w ages of 3-6). Tips: (1) Best to arrive earlier on in the day as day progresses, so do the entrances lines; & (2) Join Ikea Family & kids get extra 30 minutes to play (depending on capacity) & you get free coffee!
When: 10:30am – 7pm
Where: 10100 Baltimore Avenue, College Park